About Cristina de Noruega, infanta consorte de Castilla

Statue of Princess Kristina made by artist Brit Sørensen in Covarrubias, (Spain), a copy was later erected in Tønsberg

Christina Haakonsdatter of Norway (born in 1234 in Bergen – Sevilla 1262), sometimes spelled Kristina or Kristín, was a daughter of King Håkon IV of Norway and his wife, Margrete Skuledotter. As part of an alliance she was betrothed to the Castilian infante, Philip, brother of King Alfonso X of Castile. She travelled from Tønsberg and arrived at Las Huelgas in Burgos on Christmas Eve of 1257. Philip and Christina married in March of 1258. The couple lived in Sevilla until she died childless at the age of 28. Her body was transported to the monastery in Covarrubias, Spain where she was buried.

In 1953 a sarcophagus believed to be empty was mistakenly opened to reveal a woman. A scroll written in Old Norse was found with the body and revealed that it was in fact Infanta Christina. Legend has it that her wish for a wedding gift was the erection of a chapel in honour of St. Olav in Spain. The chapel was never built, but plans are currently under way to build it in Covarrubias in honour of the 750th anniversary of her leaving Norway.

In 1978 a statue of Princess Kristina made by artist Brit Sørensen was unveiled in Covarrubias and a copy was later erected in Tønsberg.

Tønsberg and Covarrubias have entered a friendship agreement as the result of this old connection.

The Princess Christina foundation has been established to further the work to preserve and advance the cultural and historical ties.